Euro 2024 came to a close on Sunday, with La Roja taking home the trophy to become the first nation to lift the Henri Delaunay on four separate occasions. We asked each member of the El Chumbazo writing team for their winners of a number of awards from this year's tournament.
Team of the Tournament
Jack Heath
@j_heath_
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili - the Georgian shot-stopper has been imperative to Georgia's success in their first-ever Euros. The keeper made 30 saves, the most of all the keepers in the competition despite only reaching the Last 16. Additionally, the Valencia keeper topped the PSxG-GA (Post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed) with +4.1, a vital cog in the Georgian machine.
RB: Ferdi Kadioglu - I struggled to find a standout RB for the spot as there weren't many who had caught me eye. Yes, Dani Carvajal or Joshua Kimmich would be logical options, but I was very impressed by the dynamic and youthful Turkish side. Kadioglu had a superb tournament at LB. The Fenerbahce man was joint 7th for key passes (12)Â and joint 2nd for tackles won (12). He looked very assured and elegant down the left-hand side. I'll tip him for a move this summer to one of the big European leagues as, at 24, he has lots of potential.
CB: William Saliba - Saliba continued his fine form with Arsenal this tournament, being a key part of the best defensive side in terms of clean sheets (4). Watching France, Saliba consistently dominated at the back, pocketing the likes of Lukaku and Ronaldo.
CB: Marc Guéhi - you wouldn't think Guéhi was making his tournament debut by the way he played at the 2024 Euros. The only England player to make the TOTT, Guéhi settled in nicely at the back for the Three Lions. He registered 44 ball recoveries and had a 92.67% pass completion rate. Guéhi looks set to be in the England setup for many years to come and Crystal Palace will be eager to retain their captain.
LB: Marc Cucurella - "Cucu-cucurellaaaaa, se come una paella!" Prior to the tournament, the Chelsea man was a bit of a laughing stock after his big money move to London from Brighton had not gone to plan. He picked up form towards the end of the season yet many doubted his ability with the attacking and in-form Grimaldo vying for a starting spot. Cucurella was in the Top 10 for interceptions (8), recovered the ball 34 times and also assisted the trophy clinching goal for Oyarzabal. I'm intrigued to see if Cucurella can push on with Chelsea next season and make the LB spot his own.
CM: Fabián RuÃz - Fabián has been superb for La Roja this tournament, scoring their opening goal in a trophy winning campaign. The PSG man registered 2 goals and 2 assists in a fruitful campaign. He finished 4th for progressive passes (47) and 7th for passes into final third (46).
CM: Rodri - a key player in how Spain recycle possession to cause defences nightmares, the Manchester City man had a sensational tournament. He finished 10th for passes into the final third (38) and 7th for progressive passes (40). His defensive work was also notable, finishing 10th for tackles won (8). Rodri and Fabián played in tandem for Spain, a vital duo who helped deliver Spain's 4th Euros title.
CM: Arda Güler - having heard lots about the Real Madrid man but not seeing many highlights of him, I was blown away by the maturity of the Turk despite being only 19. He was key to Turkey's build-up play, often drifting into promising positions and dictating play. 1 goal and 2 assists were healthy numbers for a man full of promise.
LW: Nico Williams - Williams caused defences nightmares during the tournament. The Bilbao sensation left defenders in tatters as he sprinted down the wing. He topped the charts in progressive carries (32) and xA (+2.1). He also came 6th for key passes (16). Athletic Bilbao now have quite the task trying to keep their wonder-kid with Chelsea and Barcelona hunting his signature down.
CF: Jamal Musiala - Musiala was one of the many bright sparks in a resurgent German side following many years of disappointment. He finished the tournament as joint top goalscorer (3) and was simply mesmerising with his quick feet and clinical finishing. Big shoutouts to Cody Gakpo and Georges Mikautadze who were my other options for the ST/CF spot.
RW: Lamine Yamal - the youngest player to ever grace the Euros finals, Yamal was a delight to watch. He finished the tournament with 1 goal and 4 assists, the most in the tournament. He was integral to Spain's play topping the charts in key passes (19), 4th in passes into the penalty area (12), top for shot-creating actions (31) and 3rd for progressive carries (31). The sky is the limit for the 17 year old, a sensational talent who has been tipped as the next Lionel Messi.
Alex Howe
@ale_xhowe
GK: Jordan Pickford - England would have been dead and buried by the quarter-finals without Pickford, who produced a number of unbelievable stops to make up for their generally shoddy defence. He can go home with his head held high. Very honourable mention to Giorgi Mamardashvili, who outperformed all his counterparts in saves and was unlucky to come up against Spain in the last 16.
RB: Jules Koundé - few right-backs stood out in Germany this time around, but Koundé was a bright spark in an otherwise underwhelming French side. Man of the match against Belgium in the last 16, although no prizes for fashion sense.
CB: William Saliba - with four clean sheets, France’s imperious defensive performances more than made up for their wasteful attack, and no one performed better than Saliba, who must surely be the best defender in world football at the moment.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger - the Madrid centre-back sneaks in here thanks to my colleagues at El Chumbazo kindly reminding me at the last moment that we had to have four at the back. That notwithstanding, Rüdiger produced a number of fine performances, particularly in Germany’s 5-1 rout of Scotland in the tournament’s opening game.
LB: Marc Cucurella - having stared down the barrel of exile at his club this season, Cucurella left his critics eating their words in Euro 2024. Providing the assist that won Spain the tournament, the Chelsea left-back may have just reclaimed his spot in the starting XI for the coming season.
CM: Rodri - the official Player of the Tournament and a certain contender for the Ballon D’Or. Despite being hooked at half time in the final, Rodri continued the talismanic form he has shown for his club.
CM: Arda Güler - with a composure and maturity that belies his young age, the Madrid midfielder was in fine form throughout Turkey’s unexpected run to the quarter-finals. Two assists and a wonder goal against Georgia ensured that he will be one to watch this season.
RW: Lamine Yamal - the youngest ever to play at the Euros, to score at the Euros and to win the Euros, Yamal was simply sensational and, at times, unplayable. The whole world will be watching this 17 year-old prodigy this season.
CAM: Jamal Musiala - a joint-top scorer at this Euros, Musiala was electrifying in the opening thrashing of Scotland and was unlucky not to reach the semi-final. Honourable mention to Dani Olmo, who matched Musiala’s goal tally despite only starting three games in the whole tournament.
LW: Nico Williams - the stats certainly don’t lie, with chart-topping xA and 100% pass accuracy, but who needs stats when you watch a talent like this? Williams was the fastest and strongest player on the pitch in every one of his games and richly deserved his goal in the final against England.
ST: Cody Gakpo - having struggled to reach his peak this season at Liverpool, Gakpo was a revelation as Oranje reached the semis. A man of the match performance against Poland and jointly topping the goalscoring charts will have Reds fans clamouring for him to start regularly under Arne Slot.
George Frith
@georgef_17
GK: Jordan Pickford - England's no. 1 shone again throughout this tournament, playing a huge role in dragging the Three Lions through the group stage, then putting in crucial performances throughout the knockout stages, including a massive save in the penalty shootout against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. If there's anyone in this squad who truly deserved a trophy on international duty, it's him.
RB: Joshua Kimmich - Despite an early exit for the hosts, Kimmich earns a spot in an admittedly uncompetitive position. Kimmich completed 68.49 passes per 90 in six appearances, registering 2 assists and racking up 5.4 shot-creating actions per 90 from right-back. If only Kai Havertz wasn't Germany's main focal point in attack.
CB: William Saliba - It's three for three for William Saliba, as the Arsenal man finds himself in yet another El Chumbazo combined XI. High praise.
CB: John Stones - The man from Barnsley continued his club form and commanded a strong backline in the absence of England's hero, Harry Maguire. Stones completed 93.9% of his passes (525), with 18 ball recoveries and 12 aerial duels won.
LB: Marc Cucurella - Cucurella once again finds himself in a combined XI, however I wouldn't be surprised if his impressive tournament form simply earns Chelsea a reasonable transfer fee for his services, so they can find another shiny toy to play with (spend big on).
CM: Toni Kroos - The veteran came into his final tournament hoping to clinch yet another piece of silverware to add to his immense collection, however despite a rejuvenated Germany side showing themselves to be early contenders, Die Mannschaft were knocked out at the hands of eventual winners Spain in the quarter-finals. Kroos, however, did not look out of place in a youthful side which shows a lot of promise for the future.
CM: FabÃan RuÃz - FabÃan RuÃz was perhaps one of the surprise superstars of this tournament, impeccable across every game he played in. Watch out for the usual suspects committing the cardinal sin of signing a player based off his international form this summer. This time though, I think it would be a smart move for any top club.
RW: Lamine Yamal - On the same week as Lamine Yamal won a major tournament on the world stage, playing a starring role might I add, England's own 17 year old prodigy Luke Littler was eliminated from the World Matchplay in the first round with a performance he branded "embarrassing". Another one for the Spaniards.
CAM: Florian Wirtz - Wirtz and Musiala spearheaded the German remontada over the last few months, leaving the country with a renewed sense of optimism for the run up to the 2026 World Cup. Wirtz, off the back of completing an unbeaten domestic double for Leverkusen, scored twice and notched 12 shot-creating actions in 3.1 90s, all the while looking exceptionally dangerous.
LW: Nico Williams - If it wasn't for Lamine Yamal taking the football zeitgeist by storm, Nico Williams would be the standout player of the tournament, and that's reflected in my player of the tournament pick (spoilers). Williams tore up every right-back that was unfortunate enough to come up against him in an excellent few weeks for the 22 year old from Navarre.
ST: Cody Gakpo - I have to say, this was not a tournament with many standout choices for the striker position. Gakpo's performance against Poland just about edges it for me, and he took home a percentage of the Golden Boot with a tally of 3, from just 1.1 xG.
Jack Bailey
@jack.bbailey
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili - I'm agreeing with Jack H on this one. I think that the most saves in the tournament (30) after only reaching the round of 16 speaks for itself. It would have been a very different tournament for Georgia without Giorgi, so he is my pick for the goalkeeper.
RB: Dani Carvajal - I'm very surprised none of the other boys had Carvajal in their team! Despite missing the semi final due to suspension, it was a very mature performance from Carvajal this Euro's, showing real leadership in the tournament, but also his usual gamesmanship, making sure to win in any way possible, which we saw in the quarter final when he got sent off. In my opinion, Carvajal was the best right back of the tournament, topping off an incredible season for the Spaniard.
CB: Marc Guehi - The only Englishman to make it into my team is Marc Guehi. A mature performance from the 24 year old saw him get 11 blocks (joint 2nd most), 28 recoveries (top 10 in the tournament), and 13 aerial duels won (top 10 in the tournament). An impressive tournament, and the standout performer in the England side, means he makes it into my Team of the tournament.
CB: William Saliba - William Saliba makes it into the back line as my second centre back, being the first player all four of the El Chumbazo team agree on in their team of the tournament!
LB: Marc Cucurella - Another clean sweep as we all agree on the left back of the tournament being Cucurella. I was surprised to see Cucurella starting the first game, as I was convinced Grimaldo would start at left back for the Spaniards. Nevertheless, Cucurella put in a marvelous performance and was arguably one of La Roja’s best performers of the tournament.
CDM: Rodri - Rolls-Royce Rodri. Need I say anymore?
CM: FabÃan RuÃz - Arguably the surpise package of the tournament after a mediocre season in Paris, RuÃz held the Spanish midfield together extremley well. He showed great versatility, being able to push forward or hold deep, and bring the ball up, scoring high in statistics for carries and progressive carries. Overall, a surprising but strong Euros from RuÃz.
CM: Dani Olmo - Dani Olmo completes my trio of an all Spanish midfield. The joint top scorer in the tournament really stepped up for Spain this tournament scoring some important goals for them, including goals in both the quarter final and semi final.
RW: Lamine Yamal - What a tournament for Lamine Yamal. The 17 year old broke all the records, and was rather good too. Incredible tournament from Yamal.
ST: Georges Mikautadze - Some may call this the hipsters choice, but I think Mikautadze deserves a shoutout for his Euros performance. 3 goals come the end of the group stage, and a goal in Georgia's big 2-0 win over Portugal, I'm giving Georges the credit I believe he deserves. He's gotten his big move to Lyon now too, so we will see how he gets on.
LW: Nico Williams - Along with Saliba, Cucurella and Yamal, we have agreed on Nico Williams. An incredible and frightening talent, and a well deserved spot in the team of the torunament.
Player of the Tournament
Jack Heath - Fabián RuÃz
@j_heath_
Fabián surprised everyone this tournament, being one of the most consistent players throughout the tournament in every game he played in. I hadn't heard much from him prior to the Euros following a just above average season with PSG. But he exploded onto the European international scene, scoring 2 goals and setting up 2 assists including the quick feet which opened Spain's tournament scoring account against Croatia. Rodri will get lots of plaudits but both Fabián, and also Dani Olmo, went under the radar for La Roja.
Alex Howe - Nico Williams
@ale_xhowe
A tough call to make, with the talents of Yamal, Gakpo and Rodri in the team of the tournament, but in my view Williams’ all-round play outshone them all. The Athletic Bilbao winger was well deserving of two man of the match awards - including in the final - and will surely be courted by the top clubs this transfer window.
George Frith - Nico Williams
@georgef_17
As mentioned in the TOTT, I think Nico Williams has been unfairly overlooked due to the emergence of La Masia's latest hero, Lamine Yamal. Williams outperformed his xG by double, registered 4.76 shot-creating actions per 90, and put in 33 crosses throughout the tournament. With 33 attempted take-ons and 206 touches in the attacking third, Williams was dangerous throughout the entire tournament, and his performances both for club and country this year leaves him as an enticing prospect for lots of top clubs. Most importantly, though, he passes the eye test with flying colours. A pleasure to watch.
Jack Bailey - Nico Williams
@jack.bbailey
As good as FabÃan RuÃz was, I agree with Alex and George on this one. Full backs looked frightened of him all tournament, and for good reason! 33 attempted take ons, 2 goals and an assist (including a goal in the final), and one stat which really surpised me was that he was only fouled twice in the whole tournament, meaning once he got past his opponent, they were never catching up to him; speaks volumes.
Young Player of the Tournament
Jack Heath - Lamine Yamal
@j_heath_
The boy is on fire, at 17 years old he took the Euros by storm! Defined by that ridiculous goal against France, Yamal is my YPOTT. My comments in my TOTT say enough really. El cielo es el lÃmite para este pibe! Notable mentions: Nico Williams, Jamal Musiala.
Alex Howe - Lamine Yamal
@ale_xhowe
Although tipped by many to be a breakout star this summer, Yamal surpassed expectations even further. A goal and four assists, and some of the most technically gifted play of someone his age since Messi, Yamal deserves all the hype. Honourable mention to Turkey's Arda Güler.
George Frith - Lamine Yamal
@georgef_17
Unoriginal choice? Yes. But I really don't think any other young player this year can even claim to deserve this award above the 17 year old Lamine Yamal. Absolutely ridiculous showing from the youngster, raising the expectations of every football fan around the world for his future.
Jack Bailey - Lamine Yamal
@jack.bbailey
I won't add too much here as the other lads have touched on him, but 4 out of 4 for our young player of the tournament, and incredibly deserved.
Goal of the Tournament
Jack Heath - Nicolae Stanciu, Romania 3-0 Ukraine
@j_heath_
There were so many sensational goals this tournament but Stanciu's 29th minute thunderbolt will always stay with me. Following Lunin's blunder, Stanciu received the ball and hit the ball so cleanly, going in off the crossbar. I didn't think Romania vs Ukraine would be an exciting affair but when that goal went in I went mental jumping right out of my seat. What a hit son!
Alex Howe - Lamine Yamal, Spain 2-1 France
@ale_xhowe
Again, an honourable mention must go to Güler with his screamer against Georgia in the group stage, but Yamal’s curled effort against France stands head and shoulders above the rest. This goal was so perfect that it completely messed with France’s heads, allowing Olmo to score the winner just four minutes later.
George Frith - Niclas Füllkrug, Germany 5-1 Scotland
@georgef_17
Talk about instant impact. Füllkrug was subbed on in the 63rd minute of Germany's drubbing of 10-man Scotland and within 5 minutes he latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the box, took one touch with his left foot to open an angle and rifled the ball into the top corner to make it 4-0. Unsaveable.
Jack Bailey - Jude Bellingham, England 2-1 Slovakia (AET)
@jack.bbailey
Some may say bias, and I may be inclined to agree. Jokes aside, the athleticism of the goal, the pressure, and the ability to be the man for England to take the game on his own to keep us in contentiom is why this is my goal of the tournament.
Best Match
Jack Heath - Turkey 3-1 Georgia
@j_heath_
For me, Turkey vs Georgia was the most exciting and craziest end-to-end football match I've ever seen at the Euros. Both teams were pumped up and kept attacking each other in a basketball type game. It was a historic moment for Georgia as they scored their first goal on a global football stage. Moreover, Arda Güler scored a sensational goal to reclaim the lead for the Turks. Samet Akaydin's goal line block then prevented a late Georgian equaliser. The madness didn't end there as Georgia committed all men forward for a final corner with nothing to lose, Turkey nabbed the ball to finish off a classic match!
Alex Howe - Turkey 3-1 Georgia
@ale_xhowe
Turkey were the best team to watch this tournament, and Georgia were not far behind. A match that on paper looked to be relatively inconsequential, these two nations provided an end-to-end attacking masterclass, complete with screamers, goal line clearances, pouring rain and an atmosphere to rival the Superclásico. Honourable mention must go to the semi-final between Spain and France.
George Frith - Spain 2-1 Germany
@georgef_17
The best two teams in the tournament met in the quarter-finals, and the matchup did not disappoint. This game had it all. Over 120 minutes of madness we saw 41 total shots, 39 fouls, 15 yellow cards, an equaliser in the last minute of normal time, a 119th-minute winner courtesy of Mikel Merino, and a sending off for attempted assault by Dani Carvajal. An absolute classic in Stuttgart.
Jack Bailey - Georgia 2-0 Portugal
@jack.bbailey
This game was incredible to watch! Not only watching Georgia's exciting and fast attacks, but such an incredibly mature defensive performance. And seeing the celebrations at the end of the game topped off an incredible, and my favuorite match of the Euros (apart from some England games of course).
Best Moment
Jack Heath - Georgia's Qualification to the Last 16
@j_heath_
When Georgia shocked the world by beating already qualified Portugal 2-0, I was overjoyed. A nation who competed against the odds to continue making history was truly remarkable. Also, the full circle narrative of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's opener was beautiful. Kvaratskhelia learnt his trade in one of Ronaldo's funded football academies. It felt like a "student had become the master" kind of moment as the young man beat his idol.
Alex Howe - Günok's Miracle Save
@ale_xhowe
Turkey’s best tournament finish since 2008 may not have been realised without the efforts of Mert Günok. The keeper somehow kept out Christoph Baumgartner’s towering header to keep the Turks ahead in the 95th minute of the last 16 against Austria. A thrilling conclusion to one of the matches of the tournament.
George Frith - Ollie Watkins sends England to the Final
@georgef_17
I said it in the match review of this game, but to watch a young lad send England into their second successive European Championship final in that style was special. Add it to the list of incredible moments we got to enjoy under Gareth Southgate's reign as England manager. Still gutted we couldn't get over the line.
Jack Bailey - Albania's instant goal vs the reigning champions!
@jack.bbailey
This is definitly a rogue one, but I remember watching this match and being absolutley gobsmacked at Albania opening the scoring against the reigning champions inside the first minute. It was one of the first games I watched of the tournament, and is a moment that sticks out for me!
Great shout from Jack B for Albania goal. We were round my house when the goal went in, we went mental!!